New Years Resolutions

Every year, days before the ball drops in New York City and the clock strikes 12am on December 31st, people everywhere discuss their New Years resolutions. It becomes a phenomenon - mainly because everyone enjoys setting a goal and trying to succeed at it. Everyone notices a pattern, which is that most people make pacts to go to the gym more, lose weight or eat healthier. Each year, people comment on how crowded their gym is in January, but come February, the same crowd dies out. According to Statistic Brain, a lowly 45% of Americans actually keep their New Years resolutions. Only 8% are actually successful. 

Live Science offers an in depth explanation about the age old practice of setting goals at the end of the year. The ancient Babylonians started the practice of making New Years resolutions more than 4,000 years ago. They celebrated the holiday in March, when the Spring harvest came in. Akitu was the 12-day festival they held to rejoice each year. New Years resolutions have become a secular tradition, and most are centered around some kind of self-improvement.

Statistic Brain offers a list of the most popular New Years resolutions.

1. Lose weight

2. Get organized

3. Spend less, save more

4. Enjoy life to the fullest

5. Stay fit and healthy

6. Learn something exciting

7. Quit smoking

8. Help others in their dreams

9. Fall in love

10. Spend more time with family

Share your New Years Resolution in the comments section below!

Happy New Year!